Nakavika calls for a safe river crossing

Around 30 children in Nakavika, Macuata, face a dangerous river crossing on their way to school each day. The village access road runs through the riverbed, leaving children and elderly residents to wade through rising water and strong currents when it rains.

Village elder Pio Dulenivosa says residents have raised the problem with authorities for years, but no permanent solution has followed. “This has been a long-standing issue for us here in Nakavika. Many Village Headmen tried to get a bridge constructed, but so far nothing has been achieved. All we are asking for is an Irish crossing, or at least a footbridge, so our children and elderly can cross safely.”

The river becomes especially hazardous during the rainy season. Some children miss school when the water rises, while residents have resorted to placing children in large pots to help them cross flooded sections.

A parent who has lived in the village for 20 years says repeated promises have brought little change. She says the crossing has discouraged some children from attending school when the water is cold and the current is strong. Villagers are again asking for an Irish crossing or footbridge, saying even a basic structure would improve safety for children, older residents and the wider community.

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This has been a long-standing issue for us here in Nakavika. Many Village Headmen tried to get a bridge constructed, but so far nothing has been achieved. All we are asking for is an Irish crossing, or at least a footbridge, so our children and elderly can cross safely.